CNCH

Navratri, from March 19-25, 2026, is a nine-day festival dedicated to the Divine Feminine, honouring Goddess Durga and her many forms that represent strength, protection, and renewal. This sacred time invites reflection, discipline, and inner transformation through prayer, fasting, music, and community celebration. For Hindu Canadians, Navratri is a meaningful opportunity to stay connected to cultural roots while fostering belonging and collective strength within our communities. May this Navratri inspire resilience, renewal, and empowerment in our lives. 🌸✨

The Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH) is deeply saddened by the killing of Nancy Grewal in the Windsor–Essex region. We extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. ॐ shanti 🙏

The Canadian National Council of Hindus welcomes renewed efforts to strengthen engagement between Canada and India. See the latest media release. @MarkJCarney @CanadaFP

Happy Holi from CNCH! 🌸🎨 Holi is celebrated to mark the arrival of the spring season, a time of warmth, renewal, and fresh beginnings. CNCH wishes you and your family a joyful, safe, and meaningful Holi, the Festival of Colors. Holi is more than vibrant gulal and celebration. It honours the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and devotion over ego, reminding us of Prahlada’s unwavering faith and the strength to stand for what is right. It’s also a moment to let go of negativity, mend relationships, and come together in the spirit of hope, compassion, and unity. May this Holi fill your home with colour and happiness, strengthen community bonds, and remind us that, even in difficult times, light and goodness will always prevail. Wishing you a bright and beautiful Holi.

The Canadian National Council of Hindus extends its sincere congratulations to Ramesh Chotai on his appointment as Honorary Consul General of Uganda. Decades ago, he was compelled to leave his homeland due to persecution. Today, he returns in a distinguished role of honour, trust, and representation. His journey reflects resilience, integrity, and an enduring commitment to service. We wish him every success as he undertakes this important responsibility and continues to build bridges between communities and nations.

💛 Family Day 💛 Family Day is a time to pause and appreciate the relationships that shape who we are. For many Hindu Canadians, family is a cornerstone of cultural identity, rooted in respect for elders, shared responsibility, and the passing down of values, traditions, and faith across generations. Family extends beyond the household to include chosen family, community, and collective care. In a multicultural country like Canada, these bonds help preserve culture while nurturing belonging, resilience, and support. As we observe Family Day on February 16th in Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC), New Brunswick (NB), Ontario (ON), & Saskatchewan (SK), may we take time to honour our roots, strengthen intergenerational connections, and celebrate the love and guidance that family provides in all its forms. 💛✨

Maha Shivratri is one of the most sacred nights in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to devotion to Lord Shiva, the symbol of transformation, discipline, and spiritual awakening. Observed through fasting, meditation, prayer, and self-reflection, this night encourages turning inward and cultivating clarity, restraint, and resilience. For Hindus in Canada, Maha Shivratri is a meaningful time to reconnect with spiritual roots while balancing life in a multicultural society. It offers a moment to pause, reflect on personal growth, and strengthen values that guide us through change and challenge. At its heart, Maha Shivratri reminds us that transformation begins within, through discipline, mindfulness, and devotion. As we observe this sacred night on February 15, may it inspire inner strength, renewal, and purposeful living within our communities. 🕉️✨

Selective mockery of a religion is not free speech, it is disrespectful and reflective of bias. Public office demands neutrality, professionalism, and respect for all communities. When such remarks are made during a council meeting, they are not only inappropriate but utterly unacceptable. Comments of this nature erode public trust and contribute to the normalization of prejudice. There also appears to be a concerning pattern of his anti-Hindu rhetoric on social media, making this difficult to view this as an isolated lapse in judgment. This conduct must not be repeated. A public acknowledgment and apology are warranted. @alexstein99 @cityofplanotx

The Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH) is deeply saddened by the tragic violence at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. Our hearts are heavy as we think of the students, families, educators, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community facing unimaginable grief. No family should ever endure such loss, and no child should fear for their safety at school. We join Canadians across the country in mourning this profound tragedy. We pray for strength and comfort for the grieving families, healing for the injured, and resilience for the community during this incredibly difficult time. ॐ shanti 🙏 We are also grateful for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who acted swiftly in the face of danger. May compassion, unity, and care guide the community forward in the days ahead.

🌼 Happy Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Jayanti 🌼 Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and honours Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and the arts. Observed on the fifth day of the lunar month of Magha, this sacred day reminds us of the power of education, creativity, and clarity of thought. Traditionally, devotees offer prayers and recommit themselves to learning and artistic expression, with the colour yellow symbolizing renewal, energy, and growth. In 2026, Vasant Panchami falls on Friday, January 23. As Hindu Canadians, this is a meaningful time to reflect on how knowledge and culture continue to strengthen our communities and inspire future generations. May this Vasant Panchami encourage lifelong learning and thoughtful action. 🌼✨

🪁 Happy Makar Sankranti 🪁 Makar Sankranti marks a powerful cosmic transition as the sun enters Capricorn (Makara), beginning its northward journey. Celebrated as a harvest festival across India, this auspicious day symbolizes renewal, balance, and new beginnings rooted in gratitude and discipline. Traditionally, the festival emphasizes charity, community service, and sharing food with others, reminding us that true abundance is found in giving. Kite flying, sacred rituals, and harvest offerings reflect joy, freedom, and optimism for the year ahead. In 2026, Makar Sankranti falls on Wednesday, January 14. For Hindu Canadians, this is a meaningful time to reconnect with cultural traditions while reflecting on how service, generosity, and collective responsibility strengthen our communities. May Makar Sankranti bring clarity, renewal, and a renewed spirit of giving. ✨🪁

🔥 Happy Lohri 🔥 Lohri is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated primarily in North India, marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer, brighter days. Rooted in agrarian traditions, Lohri honours the harvest, the sun’s return, and the spirit of gratitude for nature’s abundance. Families and communities gather around the Lohri fire to offer thanks, share warmth, and celebrate renewal, prosperity, and collective joy. The bonfire symbolizes letting go of the old and welcoming new beginnings with hope and generosity. In 2026, Lohri falls on Tuesday, January 13. As Hindu Canadians, this festival invites us to reflect on the importance of community care, gratitude for shared resources, and the responsibility to give back and uplift one another. May Lohri inspire warmth in our hearts, generosity in our actions, and renewed commitment to our communities. ✨🔥

This is a time to reflect on the journey behind us and embrace the possibilities ahead. The new year marks fresh beginnings, renewed hope, and the opportunity to move forward together with purpose and optimism. As we step into the year ahead, may unity, compassion, and our collective strength continue to guide our community. Wishing everyone a year filled with growth, resilience, and shared progress. Happy New Year 2026!

Hatred has once again turned violent, with Jewish lives targeted in an attack in Australia. Antisemitism like Anti-Hindu Hate, is not an abstract concern, it is a real and growing threat that must be confronted without hesitation. We stand with Jewish communities and call on leaders to move beyond statements of concern toward real consequences and sustained action to dismantle extremist violence and hate. @bnaibrithcanada @ALCCAcanada @cwaa_national @CIJAinfo @CJPAC

CNCH is deeply concerned by the sudden suspension of Ontario’s OINP Skilled Trades Stream and the return of thousands of applications. We’re co-signing a joint letter urging urgent bridging measures, fairness and transparency so genuine students and workers aren’t punished for system failures. 🇨🇦🙏

Removal of any reference to the swastik from Bill C-9 sets an important precedent, one that protects sacred Dharmic symbols from being misrepresented. A big win for the Hindu community in Canada 🇨🇦 Grateful to MP @AHousefather for listening, & to the strong interfaith coalition & allyship from the Jewish community. This is what effective advocacy looks like & a proud moment for all Canadians Hindus Organizations & individuals who raised their voices with clarity & conviction. @CoHNACanada @CohheOfficial @ALCCAcanada

Canada stands for peace, safety, and mutual respect. Yet growing displays that glorify violence and symbols of terror are making many feel unsafe in their own communities. Freedom of speech is vital, but celebrating terrorism is not expression; it’s a threat to public safety and human dignity. 🇨🇦 CNCH urges Parliament to act: ban the glorification of terrorism, enforce public-safety laws fairly, and protect peaceful expression for all. Please sign & share the petition: cnch.ca/petitions/ban-… #FreedomooSpeech #Publicsafety #Peace #Safety